Submitted photo: Fort Dodge's Dreshaun Ross, the 2024 Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year, is pictured here in Boone with his mother, Amy; brother, Damarion; and father, Andre.

BOONE — Dreshaun Ross proved he was among the best wrestler in the entire state of Iowa this season, and on Wednesday, Fort Dodge’s sophomore standout was honored at the highest level for his achievements.

Ross was named the Class 3A Dan Gable Mr. Wrestler of the Year during a ceremony hosted by the Iowa Wrestling Coaches Officials Association, presented by Fareway Stores, Inc., IAwrestle and Iowa Corn.

“Winning this award means I’m surrounded by a lot of people that are good for me and always want what’s best for me in the long run,” Ross said.

This award, which was first handed out in 2011, comes back to Fort Dodge for fifth the time in the last eight seasons. A Dodger has been nominated eight times in the 14-year history of the award.

“There have been some great wrestlers come through Fort Dodge, so it’s an honor to be a part of this (history),” Ross said. “The outcome of the season is just the product and result of what my training partners and I have been doing all season. (Claiming another) state (title) and the other wins are just examples of what we have been working toward and training for.”

Former Dodger state champs Brody Teske (2017 and 2018) and Drake Ayala (2020 and 2021) were recognized after both their junior and senior years. They were also finalists as sophomores.

“When you look at our program, it says a lot about our community and the support from the parents on down,” Thompson said. “The kids are great. They wrestle hard and they’re home grown.

“Relative to Class 3A, we are a small program. We have 27 kids total in our room (grades 9-12) and we finished third in state duals and traditional. It’s a tribute to our community and the kids.”

Ross was the second FDSH wrestler in the family to be nominated for this award. His sister, Alexis Ross, was a 2022 girls state champion and 3A finalist that year on the girls’ side.

“Dreshaun was obviously the most dominant wrestler in the state of Iowa as just a sophomore,” said Thompson. “Winning the award over some strong seniors shows the respect that he had from the entire state.”

Linn-Mar’s Kane Naaktgeborn — a state champion — and Cale Seaton of Iowa City High — a two-time gold medalist — were the other finalists.

Ross capped his second consecutive state title run with a perfect record of 47-0 to claim the 215-pound crown in 3A. The Dodger pinned his way to the title a year after finishing 44-2 and taking the 195-pound crown in 2023.

In just two seasons, Ross currently ranks fourth on Fort Dodge’s all-time win percentage list (90-2) at .928.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people in my life,” Ross said. “They push me to be a better wrestler and a better person.”

Thompson credited Ross for his leadership both on and off the mat.

“There is no doubt that he is more about his team than himself,” Thompson said. “He did an interview with The Messenger where he said he would rather have his brother (Damarion) win his first state title than him. He rallies people and rallies his team together.

“Dreshaun is just so relaxed in the way he approaches his matches and competition. I have seen him grow so much from his freshman to sophomore year.”

Ross is also being heavily pursued on the football field. The first team all-stater has Div. I offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska, Missouri, Purdue, Minnesota, Kansas and Kansas State.

Collegiate wrestling programs are not allowed to make formal offers until Sept. 1 later this year.